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Live a richer life.
Authors
Maurie Backman
Maurie Backman

Maurie Backman

Contributing Writer

Maurie Backman is a US based journalist who has been writing professionally for well over a decade. Since becoming a full-time writer, she's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate.

After working in finance and marketing earlier on in her career, Maurie decided to combine her two areas of study with the goal of helping people understand complex financial terms and make more informed money-related decisions. Her background in user experience also helps her produce content that’s easily digestible. When she's not busy working, Maurie enjoys hiking, reading, watching hockey and chasing after her dogs. And while she loves baking, she doesn’t cook nearly often enough.

Maurie Backman's Expertise

Maurie studied finance and creative writing at Binghamton University. She's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate. Maurie’s areas of expertise include retirement planning, mortgages, consumer debt and Medicare.

People protesting outside of a Tesla dealership in New York

Auto • Apr 02

Many think Elon uses DOGE to 'attack our democracy.' Here's what a surge of Tesla protests means for drivers

By Maurie Backman
Customers sit inside a car for sale.

Auto • Oct 04

How much it costs to own a new car in 2024

By Maurie Backman
Woman in glasses speaking to the camera, looking serious.

Auto • Oct 02

This auto loan tactic has borrowers stuck in debt

By Maurie Backman
Middle-aged woman looking out of a train window, deep in thought.

Credit Cards • Oct 12

I get $100 off my cash back credit card annually — but my friends who use several cards get up to $1K. Am I missing out?

By Maurie Backman
Back view of young woman standing in front of an ATM machine on a red wall

Credit Cards • Aug 25

Banks are steadily shifting credit risk on to their cardholders — despite the Fed holding rates steady

By Maurie Backman
Upset and shocked business woman with bank credit card and laptop

Credit Cards • Apr 30

‘Ramsey Show’ caller added to mom's credit card

By Maurie Backman
A Florida couple's failed restaurant led to debt, mistrust and talk of financial gaslighting.

Employment • Aug 27

Tampa woman hid money issues from husband — why Dave Ramsey thinks their business was ‘doomed from the start’

By Maurie Backman
It may be trendy to be unmotivated, but it’s costing workplaces millions.

Employment • Nov 19

Boreout is this latest workplace trend that's crushing productivity and costing companies hundreds of millions

By Maurie Backman
It’s good to want to get involved, but it’s important to have boundaries.

Employment • Sep 21

West Virginia man knows his employees mooch cash off their coworkers — Dave Ramsey says he’s obligated to act

By Maurie Backman
You work hard for your money. Don’t just dish it out for education without doing your research.

Loans • Oct 13

NC dad sent his son $10K for college abroad — but here’s why The Ramsey Show hosts urge him to cut the kid off ASAP

By Maurie Backman
The Fed finally made its first rate cut of the year, but you may not want to celebrate just yet.

Loans • Sep 28

Financial planner warns Fed’s rate cut won’t ‘change anybody’s life overnight’ — is it too soon to refinance?

By Maurie Backman
Jade Warshaw and Dave Ramsey.

Loans • Sep 22

Dave Ramsey aghast that NJ man’s wife keeps her $6.5K student loan around ‘like a pet’ just for ‘free money’

By Maurie Backman
Nicole Shirvani enjoys running short-term rentals, but says they can be hard work.

Real Estate • Nov 15

This FL doctor profits from tax ‘loophole’ and 6-figure return on short-term rentals. But owning Airbnbs is no vacation

By Maurie Backman
When you set conditions on a financial gift, things could go wrong very quickly.

Real Estate • Nov 09

NY dad gave his son $117K, but his hidden motive made things awkward. Why Dave Ramsey says it was a ‘dumb idea’

By Maurie Backman
House with 'for rent' sign.

Real Estate • Sep 29

I moved for work 8 months ago but my home in Nashville still hasn’t sold. Should I rent it out — or sell at a loss?

By Maurie Backman
Man looks off into the distance while sitting in the woods, holding a cup.

Retirement • Sep 20

5 things nobody warns you about in the first year of retirement — don't let them derail your new life

By Maurie Backman
Woman with shaved head looks over her shoulder and directly at the camera, smiling.

Retirement • Aug 19

More millennials are breaking their way into the 401(k) millionaire club than ever. How you can steal their strategy

By Maurie Backman
It’s important to have a retirement nest egg, but you don’t necessarily have to sell your biggest asset to build one.

Retirement • Nov 24

A 53-year-old Texas man with no retirement savings may sell his home, but Ramsey Show hosts say he has other options

By Maurie Backman
Leverage the tax advantages of long-term capital gains in retirement.

Taxes • Dec 17

I’m 65 and ready to sell my home to fund retirement, but I worry about capital gains tax. Could I get burned if I sell?

By Maurie Backman
Man and woman sitting in front of a computer and talking, as woman holds and points to a piece of paper.

Taxes • Mar 12

My wife is still waiting for her 1099 forms from multiple employers — here is what to do

By Maurie Backman
Father and his adult son having an argument

Taxes • Feb 07

How to protect your family from an IRS mess

By Maurie Backman
Making the most of a gift like this can put your family on the right financial track.

News • Dec 20

My aunt gifted me $55K after I gave birth, but I can’t tell anyone about the money. How do I spend it wisely?

By Maurie Backman
It's okay to ask for help if you're named executor.

News • Nov 23

My aunt died and I’m shocked to learn I have to settle her estate. What to do when you're named executor

By Maurie Backman
A couple stand side by side on their smartphones.

News • Nov 03

Gen Z and millennials are now most at risk of extortion scams. Why — and how good digital hygiene can help protect you

By Maurie Backman
A 40ish-year old man with dark hair and facial hair looking at his laptop with a paper in his hand.

Real Estate • Mar 11

I'm 40, make $50k a year. Can I afford a home in a high-cost market?

By Maurie Backman
A young couple looking at paperwork in a house

Mortgages • Feb 25

When does buying a home make financial sense?

By Maurie Backman
Altadena resident, Gabor Kozinc, on his property where his house burned down in the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, CA on January 17, 2025

Mortgages • Jan 20

Do you pay your mortgage if your home burns down?

By Maurie Backman
a young Black couple at home looking upset at some paperwork

Investing • Dec 14

Are you overpaying on stock gains? 1 simple switch could mean paying lower taxes when selling (or none at all)

By Maurie Backman
It makes sense for investors to focus on assets that can deliver solid growth and remain fairly steady, even when the outlook feels uncertain.

Investing • Nov 27

Wealth advisors are zeroing in on 4 'promising' safe growth sectors. Why investors are paying attention

By Maurie Backman
Older gentleman bending over following a jog with a thoughtful frown on his face.

Investing • Nov 17

I’m 65, near retirement, with a $2M nest egg and no debt. Do I need to keep paying my financial planner at this point?

By Maurie Backman
Man bundled up in winter clothing, seen outside, looking dismayed with hands in pockets.

Banking • Jan 26

What to do to protect yourself from check fraud

By Maurie Backman
young man using a laptop on the sofa at home

Banking • Nov 23

How to deposit a large check online

By Maurie Backman
A photo illustration of Bank of America logos displayed on a mobile phone screen and computer screen, Oct. 2, 2024.

Banking • Oct 30

US bank branches shuttering could pose a problem

By Maurie Backman
David Garner says he's out $12,000 following a dispute with an insurance company over a roof replacement.

Insurance • Jun 23

Roofer is out $12K after insurer refused to pay

By Maurie Backman
Insurance agent Jeffrey Carvalho

Insurance • Jun 10

California insurance agent comes forward with claims of questionable cancellations for clients 65 and older

By Maurie Backman
Do insurance companies have too much power? One doctor thinks so.

Insurance • May 12

Are health insurance companies overstepping more?

By Maurie Backman
Professional ophthalmologist or optician testing senior man eyesight and diopter in eye clinic.

Managing Money • Jun 24

Think you’ve got enough saved in your HSA? Medicare won't cover these 3 healthcare costs — and they can top $100K/year

By Maurie Backman
Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White Hous

Managing Money • Jan 03

My 80-year-old mom is convinced she’s dating Elon Musk — and scammers took $50K from her. What now?

By Maurie Backman
When a spouse goes on a spending spree, it can drag your finances down.

Managing Money • Aug 30

My wife, who’s been managing our finances for us, secretly racked up $40K on my credit card — what can I do?

By Maurie Backman
A growing number of adult children are living at home, but many don't pay rent.

Life • Dec 02

My adult son lives with me and has a Wal-Mart job. I asked him for rent but he refuses to help. How do I resolve this?

By Maurie Backman
A couple on a date pull out their wallets.

Life • Oct 14

Nearly 1-in-4 married couples don't have a joint bank account, Census Bureau data shows — what's behind this trend

By Maurie Backman
Even a so-called “free” perk of air travel comes with a major drawback.

Life • Aug 25

Using free chargers for your phone? TSA is warning that savvy hackers are targeting you. Here’s how to protect yourself

By Maurie Backman
More articles from Maurie Backman

More from Maurie Backman

LATEST

Man looks off into the distance while sitting in the woods, holding a cup.

Retirement • Sep 20

5 things nobody warns you about in the first year of retirement — don't let them derail your new life

Prepare now while you still have time.

By Maurie Backman
Woman with shaved head looks over her shoulder and directly at the camera, smiling.

Retirement • Aug 19

More millennials are breaking their way into the 401(k) millionaire club than ever. How you can steal their strategy

They're finally starting to get ahead.

By Maurie Backman
Professional ophthalmologist or optician testing senior man eyesight and diopter in eye clinic.

Managing Money • Jun 24

Think you’ve got enough saved in your HSA? Medicare won't cover these 3 healthcare costs — and they can top $100K/year

Necessary care can drain retirement savings fast. Here’s what to expect and how an HSA can help.

By Maurie Backman
Jim Cramer

Retirement • Jan 04

Jim Cramer says achieving early retirement comes down to just 3 key assets in your investment portfolio

Here's a winning formula.

By Maurie Backman
Elon Musk looks on during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White Hous

Managing Money • Jan 03

My 80-year-old mom is convinced she’s dating Elon Musk — and scammers took $50K from her. What now?

People over the age of 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to cyber scams.

By Maurie Backman
Making the most of a gift like this can put your family on the right financial track.

News • Dec 20

My aunt gifted me $55K after I gave birth, but I can’t tell anyone about the money. How do I spend it wisely?

Making the most of a gift like this can put your family on the right financial track.

By Maurie Backman
Leverage the tax advantages of long-term capital gains in retirement.

Taxes • Dec 17

I’m 65 and ready to sell my home to fund retirement, but I worry about capital gains tax. Could I get burned if I sell?

Letting things grow in value over time comes with a tax upside.

By Maurie Backman
a young Black couple at home looking upset at some paperwork

Investing • Dec 14

Are you overpaying on stock gains? 1 simple switch could mean paying lower taxes when selling (or none at all)

You just need the right strategy.

By Maurie Backman
Stressed mature woman surrounded by bills and receipts, struggle with financial planning and debts.

Managing Money • Dec 08

I’m 49 and tired of living paycheck to paycheck. How to break the cycle of financial struggle before it’s too late

Don't get stuck in the trap.

By Maurie Backman
A growing number of adult children are living at home, but many don't pay rent.

Life • Dec 02

My adult son lives with me and has a Wal-Mart job. I asked him for rent but he refuses to help. How do I resolve this?

Don't let your own long-term financial security suffer.

By Maurie Backman
It makes sense for investors to focus on assets that can deliver solid growth and remain fairly steady, even when the outlook feels uncertain.

Investing • Nov 27

Wealth advisors are zeroing in on 4 'promising' safe growth sectors. Why investors are paying attention

Do these sectors already have a place in your portfolio?

By Maurie Backman
Preparing for retirement could include a few tough decisions.

Retirement • Nov 24

Is it possible to retire and live off Social Security alone? Yes, but you may need to make a few sacrifices

Preparing for retirement could include a few tough decisions.

By Maurie Backman
It’s important to have a retirement nest egg, but you don’t necessarily have to sell your biggest asset to build one.

Retirement • Nov 24

A 53-year-old Texas man with no retirement savings may sell his home, but Ramsey Show hosts say he has other options

There's always hope in the Lone Star state.

By Maurie Backman
It's okay to ask for help if you're named executor.

News • Nov 23

My aunt died and I’m shocked to learn I have to settle her estate. What to do when you're named executor

How to avoid feeling overwhelmed with the task.

By Maurie Backman
It may be trendy to be unmotivated, but it’s costing workplaces millions.

Employment • Nov 19

Boreout is this latest workplace trend that's crushing productivity and costing companies hundreds of millions

Boreout is the new burnout.

By Maurie Backman
Older gentleman bending over following a jog with a thoughtful frown on his face.

Investing • Nov 17

I’m 65, near retirement, with a $2M nest egg and no debt. Do I need to keep paying my financial planner at this point?

Just because you’re in a great place financially doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider extra help.

By Maurie Backman
Nicole Shirvani enjoys running short-term rentals, but says they can be hard work.

Real Estate • Nov 15

This FL doctor profits from tax ‘loophole’ and 6-figure return on short-term rentals. But owning Airbnbs is no vacation

Make sure tax benefits outweigh the costs.

By Maurie Backman
An older man sits on a computer at a restaurant after hours.

Retirement • Nov 10

My dad, 75, only has $31K in savings. How can I help him make the most of his $65K salary and prepare for retirement?

This situation isn’t hopeless, but you’ll need to get creative.

By Maurie Backman
When you set conditions on a financial gift, things could go wrong very quickly.

Real Estate • Nov 09

NY dad gave his son $117K, but his hidden motive made things awkward. Why Dave Ramsey says it was a ‘dumb idea’

"A gift is not a gift if it has conditions."

By Maurie Backman
A couple stand side by side on their smartphones.

News • Nov 03

Gen Z and millennials are now most at risk of extortion scams. Why — and how good digital hygiene can help protect you

A “deep digital footprint" may be helping scammers.

By Maurie Backman
Blond woman looking directly at the camera pensively.

Investing • Nov 03

I’m 45 with a $200K sum I want to invest so I can retire by 67 with $100K/year. Should I focus on dividends or growth?

Do the numbers work?

By Maurie Backman
A Coca-Cola bottling plant in Orlando, Florida, July 23, 2019.

Investing • Oct 31

Coca-Cola recalled potentially contaminated cans. Investors didn't blink — could the same scandal sink a small business?

When a company makes a mistake, its reputation can influence its recovery.

By Maurie Backman
Newlyweds got married quickly, and now his poor financial habits are causing a rift in the relationship. Here’s what Dave Ramsey had to say.

Managing Money • Oct 29

‘You got a husband problem’: LA newlywed says her spouse is ‘financially irresponsible.’ Here’s Dave Ramsey’s advice

Having heart-to-hearts about cash shouldn't be all-out brawls.

By Maurie Backman
George Kamel and Dave Ramsey.

News • Oct 29

California mom mulling marrying boyfriend with $2M trust fund wants prenup advice — but Dave Ramsey sees a huge red flag

Prenuptial agreements aren’t a fix-all.

By Maurie Backman
Side view of smiling bike courier woman holding a parcel from a middle-aged bespectacled man.

News • Oct 28

Scammers are staking out Americans' front doors in a wily new debit card scheme — how the scam works and what to do

The wolf at the door may not be what you think.

By Maurie Backman

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